Simulation apparatus and gas dispensing device used in conjuction therewith

ABSTRACT

Simulation apparatus for displaying three-dimensional graphics including a device for emitting an aroma generating material in connection therewith and a dispensing apparatus for emitting the aroma generating material.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/379,131, filed Jan. 27,1995, now U.S. Pat. No.5,727,186.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to a simulation apparatusfor displaying three-dimensional graphics in which an aroma generatingmaterial is injected through the simulation apparatus to be sensed bythe user and generally to a dispensing apparatus for emitting the aromagenerating material.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART

Virtual reality systems generally include a computer control module, aheadset and a joy stick and/or gloves worn by the user to allow"participation" in the virtual reality graphics. Three-dimensionalcomputer graphics are viewed inside the headset. A signal correspondingto the three-dimensional graphics is created by a computer module andthe signal is transmitted to the headset where it is translated into athree-dimensional graphic display.

For example, the three-dimensional graphics can be in the form of a racetrack. Computerized images of vehicles move along the track. The speedand direction of the vehicles can be controlled by the user through thejoy stick and/or gloves. The view of the race track can therefore bechanged with every movement of the users headset and/or joystick/gloves.

It is also known to fit the headset with sound through a stereo system.Movement of the headset can be used to change the volume and/ordirection of sound to simulate the noise of a vehicle as it moves alongthe race track.

Virtual reality systems are dependent on involving the senses of theuser. As described above current virtual reality systems involve theuser's visual, auditory and tactile senses. It would be a significantadvance in the art of virtual reality to devise a system which involvesthe user's olfactory senses and to provide a device which can generateand deliver an aroma generating material, especially for use in virtualreality systems.

The delivery of an aroma generating material such as a fragrance in theform of an atomized liquid spray is known. It is also known toincorporate a fragrance into a solid matrix such as soap or plasticpellets. Additionally, it is known to incorporate a fragrance into anoil based solvent and to heat the solution or to dissolve the fragrancein alcohol or water and to disperse the resulting solution by forcedevaporation with a fan of wicks.

Each of these methods, however, suffer from a number of disadvantages.For example, atomized sprays are disadvantageous because they do notallow precise control of the amount of the fragrance which is released.Solid matrices do not offer a consistent rate of dispersal and arehighly dependent on temperature, humidity and the amount of fragrance inthe solid matrix both initially and over time.

Oil based solvent compositions are limited because the fragrance mayoxidize and/or boil-off thereby affecting the quality of the aroma.Other solvent based systems (e.g.alcohol and water) are disadvantageousbecause of changes to the fragrance due to oxidation and limited controlover the dispersal rate of the fragrance.

The above-mentioned problems with existing dispensing systems occurbecause the aroma generating materials are typically complex and highlyvolatile. They can easily oxidize resulting in a change or loss of thedesired aroma.

The aroma generating materials may contain ten or more differentaromatic components with different boiling points and rates ofevaporation. Each material can therefore be expected to emit an aroma ata different rate and be susceptible to degradation under differentconditions and rates of time.

It would therefore be a significant advance in the art of dispensing anaroma generating material including within the environment of asimulation apparatus, such as virtual reality systems, if the materialcould be dispensed at a controlled rate in a preselected location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed in part to a simulation apparatus andmethod, particularly an apparatus and method which creates the effect ofvirtual reality. The present invention provides for the generation of anaroma as part of the virtual reality effect. In addition, the presentinvention is directed to a dispensing apparatus which can generate anddeliver an aroma generating material to be sensed by the user so as toinvolve the user's olfactory senses during operation.

More specifically, the present invention encompasses in part asimulation apparatus comprising:

a) Computer graphics signal receiving means for receiving a signal fordisplaying three-dimensional computer generated graphics correspondingto said signal;

b) a computer control module for generating said signal and fortransmitting said signal to the receiving means; and

c) aroma generating means for releasing an aroma generating material andfor transmitting the aroma generating material through the receivingmeans for sensing by the user of the simulation apparatus.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a dispensingapparatus for dispensing an aroma generating material comprising:

a) at least one source of an aroma generating material;

b) a first conduit operatively connected to the at least one source ofthe aroma generating material;

c) restriction means in the first conduit for controlling the flow ofthe aroma generating material therethrough;

d) a second conduit operatively connected to the restriction means fortransporting the aroma generating material from the restriction means toa nozzle;

e) temperature raising means for raising the temperature of the aromagenerating material between the restriction means and the nozzle; and

f) a nozzle for emitting the aroma generating material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and arenot intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims formingpart of the application.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a simulationapparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view of another embodiment of thesimulation apparatus of the invention using multiple sources of an aromagenerating material; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the dispensing apparatusof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in part directed to a simulation apparatus, as,for example, a device for producing virtual reality images. Theapparatus is provided with a system for generating and delivering anaroma generating material in proximity to the simulation apparatus. Thearoma produced thereby corresponds to the aroma that would be expectedif the computer generated graphics were real.

The aroma generating material includes any compound or formulation thatproduces an aroma (i.e. aromatic substance) such as, for example,fragrances, scents, odors and the like. The aroma generating materialalso includes a solvent, as for example carbon dioxide, alkanols such asmethanol and ethanol, and nitrous oxide. As will be explained in detailhereinafter the solvent is a liquid when compressed but vaporizes whenthe pressure on the liquid is reduced.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a simulation apparatus 2 for use as,for example, a "virtual reality" computerized entertainment system. Theapparatus 2 includes a computer control module 4 capable of generating asignal corresponding to desired computer graphics and for transportingthe signal through a cable line 6 to a receiver which, as shown in FIG.1, is in the form of a headset 8 as is well known in the art. Theheadset 8 includes a display device (not shown) which enables the userto view the computerized images which comprise the virtual realitydisplay.

In accordance with the present invention, an aromatic substance isprovided in proximity to the headset 8 to form part of the virtualreality effect. More specifically, an aroma generating material issupplied from a source 10. The compressed fluid, typically in the formof a liquid and containing the aromatic substance dissolved in thesolvent is stored in the cylinder 10 until ready for use at a pressureof typically about 50 bar.

The flow of the aroma generating material from the cylinder 10 iscontrolled by a solenoid valve 12. Once released from the cylinder 10 bythe opening of the valve 12, the compressed fluid is depressurized toform an aroma generating material in the form of a gas which enters aconduit 14 and flows therethrough to a conduit 16 and then to a conduit18, which is coaxial with the cable 6, to the headset 8.

It is desirable to control the concentration of the aroma generatingmaterial that is transported to the headset 8. If the concentration ofthe aroma generating material is too great, the user may experiencediscomfort. One manner of controlling the concentration of the aromagenerating material is to intermittently release the aroma generatingmaterial from the cylinder 10. This may be accomplished by opening thevalve 12 for preselected periods of time to allow a bolus or pulse ofthe aroma generating material to enter the conduit 14 at periodicintervals. Automatic control of the number of boluses and their durationmay be accomplished by controlling the valve 12 through a conventionaltiming device (not shown) associated with the computer module 4, via acable line 20. The bolus of aroma generating may receive an assist bysending a pressurized stream of gas (e.g. air) from a compressor 22through the conduits 16 and 18.

It may be desirable to purge the conduits 16 and 18 of residual aromagenerating material after each bolus of the material has been providedto the headset 8. This may be accomplished as shown in FIG. 1 by sendinganother pressurized stream of gas from the compressor 22 through theconduits 16 and 18. The pressurized gas produced by the compressor 22may be intermittently supplied to the conduits 16, 18 by employing atiming device (not shown) operatively connected to the computer module 4in a known manner. The compressor 22, through the release of thepressurized stream of inert gas, also serves to provide cooling gas tothe headset to make the user more comfortable.

The simulation apparatus 2 of the present invention may be provided withmultiple sources of the aroma generating material. This system isadvantageous because it enables a greater quantity of the aromagenerating material to be made available between refills. In addition,it allows more than one aroma generating material (e.g. differentfragrances) to be transported to the headset to further enhance thevirtual reality effect.

Referring to FIG. 2, there are shown two cylinders 10a and 10b, eachconnected to respective conduits 14a and 14b through respective solenoidvalves 12a and 12b. The operation of each of the dual cylinders 10a, 10bis the same as described in connection with the cylinder 10 in FIG. 1.Automatic operation of the solenoid valves 12a and 12b is accomplishedthrough cables 20a and 20b. When each cylinder 10a and 10b contains adifferent aroma generating material, the pressurized gas from thecompressor 22 can entrain each bolus of the aroma generating materialtransported from the conduits 14a, 14b. Alternatively, a single conduitcan be used to connect the cylinders 10a, 10b to the headset 8 (see FIG.1). In this embodiment the various boluses of the aroma generatingmaterials follow each other through the conduits 14, 16, 18.

It will be understood that reference has been made herein to asimulation apparatus which can be used for enjoyment (e.g. virtualreality video games). The present simulation apparatus is alsoapplicable to occupational training devices and the like such as, forexample, flight simulators for the training of pilots.

The present invention is also directed to a dispensing apparatus capableof dispensing an aroma generating material to a pre-selected locationsuch as a headset.

Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a dispensing apparatus 30 includingat least one cylinder 32 for storing an aroma generating material underpressure such as about 50 bar. The aroma generating fluid as previouslydescribed contains an aromatic substance (e.g. fragrance) dissolved in asolvent such as liquid carbon dioxide, alkanols, nitrous oxide, and thelike.

Extending substantially through the length of the cylinder 30 is a diptube 34 which is connected to a conduit 36 which includes a restrictivethrottle 38 for the aroma generating material passing therethrough. Asshown specifically in FIG. 3 the restrictive throttle 38 is in the formof a small bore tube 40 of predetermined length. The dimensions of thetube will vary according to the desired restriction of the aromagenerating material. Typically the small bore tube 40 has a diameter ofabout 0.019 inches and a length of about 6 inches.

Downstream of the restriction throttle 38 is a solenoid valve 42 whichmay be operated manually or by a computer as previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The solenoid valve 42 enables boluses ofthe aroma generating material to be transmitted to the desired location.

In accordance with the present invention, the temperature of the aromagenerating material transmitted through the restriction throttle 38 isthereafter raised. In one embodiment of the invention heat is impartedto the aroma generating material through heat conductive metal tubing44, such as copper tubing. The tubing 44 separates the conduit 36 from aconduit 46 which in turn is connected to a nozzle 48 and enables thearoma generating material to be heated sufficiently to prevent freezing.

The diameter of the second conduit 46 is similar to that of the smallbore tube 40 although the length is typically shorter (e.g. about oneinch). Thus the conduit 46 serves as a second throttle of the aromagenerating material as it passes through the dispensing apparatus 30.

In operation of the dispensing apparatus, the valve 42 controls the flowof the aroma generating material from the cylinder 32 through theconduit 36 and the small bore tube 40. As previously explained the valve42 can be operated to provide discreet short boluses of the aromagenerating material. The tube 40 acts as a restrictive throttle toinsure that the aroma generating material passes slowly through thesystem to provide a relatively small cross-sectional area of the aromagenerating material at the inlet to the valve 42.

The valve 42 may be controlled by a timing device (not shown) whichprovides a bolus of the aroma generating material at a given frequencyand duration thereby insuring precise control of each bolus passingthrough the valve 42.

The conduit 46 and the nozzle 48 together act as a further throttle toinsure the spread of each bolus of the aroma generating material into apre-selected location and to minimize noise by slowing the flow ratethereof.

The flow rate of the aroma generating material through the dispensingapparatus will depend on such factors as 1) the solubility of thearomatic substance in the solvent 2) the viscosity of the aromagenerating material 3) the amount of heat applied to the aromagenerating material through the metal tubing and 4) the degree to whichthe tube 40 and the conduit 46 coupled with the nozzle 48 serve torestrict the flow of the aroma generating material from the cylinder 32to the desired location.

The size of the small bore tubes and the amount of heat needed to beapplied will depend on the viscosity of the aroma generating material.The diameters of the respective tubes will vary. If the bore diameter istoo small then blockage in the tube can more easily occur. If thediameter of the bore is too large then the size of the bolus andtherefore the amount of the aroma generating material cannot becontrolled in a desired manner.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for dispensing an aroma generating material ata pre-selected location in which one or more ingredients for creatingthe aroma generating material is dissolved in a gaseous liquid solventand stored under pressure in a gas cylinder, the apparatus furthercomprising a first aroma generating material line extending from the gascylinder and including a pre-determined length of small bore tubing, asolenoid valve located in the first aroma generating material line downstream of the length of small bore tubing for controlling the flow ofaroma generating material from the cylinder, means downstream of thesolenoid valve for imparting heat to the aroma generating material, anda second aroma generating material line extending from said means towarda dispersion nozzle, and timing means for operating the solenoid valveat pre-selected intervals and for pre-selected durations for producingdiscrete boluses of aroma generating material.
 2. The dispensingapparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat generating means comprises a heatconductive metal tubing, said aroma generating material entering themetal tubing at a lower temperature and leaving the metal tubing at ahigher temperature.
 3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesolvent is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, analkanol and nitrous oxide.